If you’ve been following this story you know that Undercover Agent Zoe will have a chance to visit the set of CBS’ Hawaii Five-0 this September! Not just content to enjoy the experience for herself, Zoe wanted to include others by collecting fan offerings for Alex O’Loughlin, Daniel Dae Kim, Grace Park, Scott Caan et al, to compile in a book which will be presented to the cast when she arrives in Hawaii.

If you haven’t already sent your submission, we’re afraid it’s too late to do so now. Zoe is providing us with an “in the final stretch” update below. Any questions you have, may be sent to her at H50fanbook@gmx.com.

We can’t wait to see the final product!

Photo: CBS

From Undercover Agent Zoe

Final update for you…

Thank you everyone who has put their time into this – in the last 48 hours alone I had around 60 new submissions. I have tried my best to respond to everyone so you know I have received your entries. I’m in to the 100s now for separate entries so there is a chance some may have slipped through my reply list.

I will be editing the book towards the end of this week before sending it off to get printed. When I return from Hawaii (after 25th September) I will make the book available for download – the reason I am waiting until after the trip is so the cast and crew do not see the final book online beforehand.

I have also had a number of people approach me to ask whether they are able to purchase a hard copy of the book. I am looking into the best way of doing this and will email everyone who has participated once a solution is decided on.

I’d also like to say a BIG THANK YOU to Terry and Jason because without their support this would not have been possible. Mahalo Guys!!

Steve (Alex O’Loughlin) catches up with Aunt Deb McGarrett (Carol Burnett) before his Thanksgiving plans take a turn into the typical Five-0 danger zone.(Photo courtesy of Norman Shapiro/CBS)

One of my favourite guest stars from Season 4 is coming back and she’s not alone! Carol Burnett will be returning as McGarrett’s Aunt Deb. You may remember the touching scene where she announced to him that she was to undergo cancer treatment. While receiving chemo, she will meet a man to be played by the legendary Jersey Boy, Franky Valli. The two have a whirlwind romance which will result in her wedding in Hawaii. Sadly, it doesn’t sound like her cancer treatment will be success. “They’re going to have this whirlwind romance, and they’re coming to Hawaii to get married because they realize both of them don’t have much time left,” Peter Lenkov told TV Guide. Be prepared to have your heart strings pulled.

Photographer: Ross D. Hamamura – RDHphoto.net RDHphoto

Alex O’Loughlin once again used his star-power for good. On August 16, he attended the Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii’s annual Walk in the Country event. In typical Alex style, he gracious posed with lucky fans at the fundraising luau. You can see more photos from Honolulu Magazine on our Facebook page!

Upon completing the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge this past weekend, executive producer Peter Lenkov threw down the gauntlet to his cast. And in true Five-0 fashion, stars Alex O’Loughlin, Daniel Dae Kim, and Jorge Garcia came through for fans, and for the charity. The Ice Bucket Challenge has taken the internet by storm as a fundraiser and awareness generator to help combat ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gerig’s disease. People are dared to dump ice water on their heads as well as donate money to this great cause. So far, the campaign has raised $4 million in two weeks! Visit http://www.alsa.org to donate.

Note: After gamely dumping the freezing slush on themselves, the three actors chose to call out just one person; CBS President and CEO, Les Moonves. We’re happy to report that Moonves took the challenge not long after, and we’re hoping made a hefty donation to the extremely worthy cause.

Executive Producer, Peter Lenkov, clarified the reports that McGarrett will be getting a new love interest in Season 5. Lenkov told TVLine,“Everybody’s selling it as a love interest, but really it’s a friendship.” Friends with benefits, perhaps? He also provided more details about the 100th episode, saying “There really will be no more questions, as to, ‘Are [Steve and Wo fat] related?’ and ‘What is Wo Fat’s relationship with Steve’s mother?’ … That’s all going to come to a head and be resolved.”

Bush from their official website

Mike Gordon of the Star Advertiser announced some big entertainment news for this year’s SOTB. Those attending the Season 5 premiere at Sunset On the Beach are in for quite a treat! The post-grunge rock band, Bush, will be entertaining the beach goers live on stage! I saw them in concert in my *ahem* younger years, and you’re in for a loud, rockin’ time!

Mike also noted that all of the main cast members will be attending the premiere, making it the first time since Season 2 that Scott Caan and Grace Park appear. No doubt the fans who line the red carpet will show their enthusiasm to the shows stars .

Daniel Dae Kim was honoured by the OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates this week along with actress Ming-Na Wen (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.). Both received the Pioneer Award OCA is “dedicated to advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans.” (from their website)

DDK posing for a selfie with Tony WallerPosted by @1solesearcher on Instagram

Thank you to everyone who has already taken the time to submit something to the fanbook. I have now responded to everyone whose email I have received. If you haven’t had a response then it means I haven’t received the email so please let us know if you think I have missed you!

We still need everyone’s input to make this a rounded experience for all of the cast and crew. I would also really like to hear from local fans in Hawaii as well – especially if you have been part of any of the events that the 5-0 team have done (such as the fan breakfast, charity events etc) please please get in touch!

If there are any artists out there that have done drawings of the cast I would really like to be able to include these in the book – with permission, of course.

Fansites – I would like to include pages for you as well, as you are the fans sources of information – please get in touch with anything you would like to include.

Friend of the blog, Undercover Agent Zoe approached us a few weeks ago with a brilliant idea. She told us she’d be on the set of Hawaii Five-0 to watch filming in September, and mentioned that she wished she could share the experience with everyone. She came up with an idea that allows fans to leave a thankful and lasting impression on the cast and crew of our favorite show. I’ll let Zoe explain it all in her own words! Please note, Zoe is handling ALL communications, not 50undercover.com. For all questions and submissions, contact her at the email address below. Now, have fun!!

Calling all H50 fans! Many of you know that earlier in the year that CharityBuzz was auctioning off Hawaii Five-0 set visits to a few lucky winners. My wonderful husband bid and won one of these, so we are heading back to Hawaii to pop on to set! I feel incredibly fortunate, as I know so many fans would simply love the same opportunity. This got me to thinking of how to share the experience with fans worldwide. I thought it might be a nice opportunity for us fans to give something back to the cast and crew, so I thought of creating a Worldwide Fanbook that I can give to the cast and crew when the visit occurs. The premise behind the book is the celebration of 100 completed episodes. This should be a positive experience, and a show of appreciation. Focus on what you DO like about the show and showing your appreciation for that. I will have the final edit on what is included in the printed book. I want to make this clear from the outset that anything inappropriate will not be included. This is not the avenue to declare your dislike of a character, nor is it a suggestion box for your take on where the storyline should go (to cite a few examples). So what I am looking for from you… Name:Nationality:Twitter/Email Contact Info:What can you include (not limited to):

Personal accounts of cast/crew meetings

Stories from SOTB / Fan Meet Ups / Fan Breakfast etc.

How cast/crew have inspired you

Personal message of THANKS J

Photographs

Personal pics with cast/crew

BTS Photos

Favourite Scenes (and why they are so!)

Collages

Memes/Quotes

Drawings

SOTB photos

5-0 shrines (you get the idea…)

GET CREATIVE!

Email your entries/questions to H50FanBook@gmx.com no later than Monday 25th August. I really do need everyone’s help to make this possible so please share this around and let’s create something special. Thank you! -Undercover Agent Zoe

The Honolulu Star Advertiser reports that Anthony Ruivivar will be filming an multiple episode arc to kick off Season 5 of Hawaii Five-0. The Honolulu born actor worked with Scott Caan on the film Speed of Life in the 1990s and the two have remained friends. No word on if the two friends will be on screen together as friends or foes. Ruivivar is best known for his recent roles in Beauty and the Beast, Revolution, Banshee and Southland.

TVGuide is reporting an interesting teaser. As the new season begins, expect to get answers to the questions surrounding WoFat with the story arc coming to head in the 100th episode of the series.

The Summer scanner has been full of Ian Anthony Dale news this year and now we have some exclusive photos to share with you! This pictures were taking when Dale attended the ESPY (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly) Awards, hosted by ESPN, in July.

I had the great pleasure of attending San Diego Comic Con on behalf of Hawaii Five-0 Undercover this past weekend. SDCC, as it is commonly know, is a mecca for all things entertainment – from TV and movies, to comics and video games. At this year’s SDCC, CBS had a much smaller presence than past years. Hawaii Five-0 has not been featured there since it’s first season, however executive producing duo, Robert Orci and Alex Kurtzman did attend to promote their new show, Scorpion.

Peter Lenkov with Bob OrciPhoto: CBS

Scorpion features super geniuses brought together to fight terrorists and other miscreants. The team will be headed up by Robert Patrick of True Blood, as well as the short lived Hawaii-filmed, The Last Resort. Since Scorpion will also air on CBS, Orci and Kurtzman were asked about a crossover with Hawaii Five-0.

Scorpion premieres Sept. 22, 2-14. Check out the preview released at SDCC below.

Alex Kurtzman will also be directing a major motion picture for Universal. Kurtzman has paired up with Chris Morgan to create a “cinematic universe” centered around The Mummy reboot. Orci and Kurtzman worked on the script for the new film along with Jon Spaihts. Kurtzman is also set to direct the Spiderman spin-off Venom while Orci will be sitting in the directors chair for Star Trek 3. The Mummy is set to be released April 22, 2016. With all the future projects this duo has going on, you can bet they will be staples at SDCC for years to come.

Peter Lenkov with Alex KurtzmanPhoto credit: 50undercover.com

Side note – Fans of Kono and Adam will be please to know that Ian Anthony Dale tweeted this week that he is back in Hawaii filming Hawaii Five-0. Dale will be appearing in episode 3 this season. No word (yet) on if he will be seen later in the season.

Fans of Hawaii Five-0 star Alex O’Loughlin are used to seeing him lend his presence to raise money for a good cause. Whether it’s to spur organ donation, clean the coastline, or fight cancer, O’Loughlin has always generously donated his time and efforts to them.

Photo Credit: Kokua For The Philippines.

The CBS star’s latest cause however, has an extremely personal connection. A recent Twitter post by the Golden West chapter of the ALS Association (@alsagoldenwest) alerted us to the fact that O’Loughlin would be joining the group in September to promote their “Walk to defeat ALS.”

Although we here at 50undercover.com were initially unaware of his personal connection with the cause, we have some friends who knew the circumstances leading to this partnership. Through them, we discovered that the mother of Alex’s wife, Malia, was a victim of ALS, and so this charity has particular meaning to their family. Violet Jones-Medusky was a triathelete, and in a rather cruel irony, ALS often attacks people who are in exceptionally good shape. Also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis affects the motor neurons that normally send signals to your voluntary muscles. Without those signals, the muscles weaken, atrophy, and eventually stop functioning. The sufferer becomes paralyzed and is unable to breathe or swallow on their own.

As I looked into this story, I discovered that Vi Jones-Medusky was quite an extraordinary woman. An avid athlete, Jones-Medusky conquered triathlons, marathons, and even “Ultra-marathons”, including the “Haleakala Run to the Sun,” a grueling 36 mile trek up 10,000 feet up Maui’s famous crater. What impressed me most about this woman wasn’t her athleticism, but her love for life in spite of the hand she was dealt. Even as her muscles ceased to work and her quality of life deteriorated, the photos always depict a woman with a warm, genuine smile on her face.

A nurse by profession, Vi knew what she faced once she received her diagnosis. Determined to fight as long as possible, she continued to run, and when she could no longer complete an entire race, she joined relay teams where less endurance was required. And so it went until she had to rely on a wheelchair for mobility. Rather than feeling sorry for herself, Jones-Medusky became a tireless advocate for others suffering from ALS, offering them support and cheer while maintaining a blog chronicling her own fight. Her posts allow you into the mind of this incredible woman who always made the best of her situation, who not only celebrated family and love, but celebrated her life, as difficult as it was. “The transition of beach to sea was alot smoother,” Vi stated in her blog. ”I think my friends are getting the hang of it !!! So everyone got a turn holding and helping me to do my exercises for my legs and arms. Thank you again to all of my friends and see you next week as I love swimming with you!”

From “Violet’s Web”

Most ALS patients live between three and five years after diagnosis, but Vi managed seven, all the while surrounded by her loving, supportive family. Violet Jones-Medusky passed away on March 29, 2011 at the age of 59, but her spirit lives on. Her friends and family continue to raise funds to beat this horrific disease because as Vi told Midweek, “ALS is an orphan disease, because compared to diseases such as breast cancer, heart disease and diabetes, drug companies put all their money into these diagnoses, because so few people have ALS that it’s not popular. Therefore, research money (for ALS) usually comes from family and friends of victims.”

Vi with daughter MaliaFrom Violet’s blogsite

And that, my friends, is why we’re asking you to support the fight to defeat ALS. Join Hawaii Five-0’s Alex O’Loughlin, join long-time Hawaii Five-0 crew member Eric Uyeda and his “H50 ALS Warriors,” in keeping Vi’s fight alive. Please check out her old blog posts and photos at “Violets’ Web,” and then come back to the link and donate what you can. No amount is too small. Alex will appreciate your support, but even more importantly, so will the people battling this disease.

In 2012 when developer Marshal Hung purchased the Honolulu Advertiser building to turn it into luxury condos, the rebooted Hawaii Five-0 cast and crew found themselves booted right out of their home of three years. CBS’ search for a new location revealed few properties offering the space needed to film a major network production on the island of Oahu.

When the show landed at the same soundstage where Jack Lord and the original Hawaii Five-O called home, it sounded like a nice bit of synchronicity, but few fans were aware of the state of disrepair of the property. The Honolulu Star Advertiser’s Mike Gordon reports on just what the network has done, not only for Hawaii Five-0, but for the state of Hawaii and any future residents of the studios at Diamond Head. Reading the story, it’s difficult to believe that employees of ABC’s Lost and Last Resort worked in these conditions. We’re glad to see that CBS is willing to put out the money necessary to make the complex a better home for stars Alex O’Loughlin, Scott Caan, Grace Park, and Daniel Dae Kim, as well as the many behind-the-scenes employees who put their blood, sweat, and tears into making Hawaii Five-0 a success.

Hawaii Film Studio at Diamond Head Photo: KITV

From Mike Gordon (@crankydad on Twitter)

When the state film office asked lawmakers in 2012 for money to repair the Hawaii Film Studio at Diamond Head, the request came with a stark admonishment: In its condition at the time, the facility was “an embarrassment to Hawaii’s film industry and a liability to the state.”

The air-conditioning system in the primary soundstage often stopped working, the large barn doors on a building that houses a tank for underwater filming were too dangerous to move, and several buildings needed to be removed because of termite damage, carpenter ants in electrical systems and rats.

But just as it does every Friday night in prime time, the CBS crime drama “Hawaii Five-0″ rescued the state once again.

Since moving into the facility in May 2013, “Five-0″ has spent more than $709,000 on repairs and improvements that the state applied toward the show’s monthly rent, said state film Commissioner Donne Dawson. ”Five-0,” which just started shooting its fifth season, is charged $50,000 a month for use of the 7.5-acre complex on 18th Avenue below Kapiolani Community College, she said. Dawson called the show “a brilliant partner.”

“We’re making progress and we’re making good progress,” she said. “Considering the lack of resources to do everything we want to, we are making do with the resources we have.”

The film office estimated two years ago that the Diamond Head facility needed $10.4 million in renovations. Lawmakers gave film officials about half that, including money budgeted for planning and design, Dawson said.

“Five-0″ moved into the state facility during the hiatus between its third and fourth seasons because its original production headquarters — the old Hono­lulu Advertiser building — was sold to a developer.

The show paid $216,000 for new air-conditioning chillers on the Diamond Head studio’s 16,500-square-foot soundstage, replacing a system that was two decades old. It was a critical fix, Dawson said. ”You need to have a strong, functioning, efficient air-conditioning system to keep your set cool,” she said. “Your set is going to be very hot with lights and equipment and lots of warm bodies.”

The show also spent $137,000 to air-condition a sweltering building once used as a stage by the original “Five-0,” then spent another $105,000 to insulate the 12,000-square-foot building, Dawson said. The stage, which still sports a “Hawaii Five-0″ sign from the original series, is now home to several permanent sets: the crime lab, Max’s morgue and Steve McGarrett’s home.

The series also was credited for the cost of insulating the water tank building — about $115,000. The building was built in 1999 by the producers of “Baywatch: Hawaii.” Other improvements included $103,000 for a new building for costumes and $33,000 worth of electrical upgrades.

For it’s part, the state replaced the barn doors with a safer alternative and completed some repaving. But its next big project — replacing the wood buildings that date back to 1976 — may have to wait until “Five-0″ calls it quits because there isn’t enough time between seasons to complete the project, Dawson said after meeting with “Five-0″ production members last week.

Dawson wants to see a second soundstage on the property, and her office might ask the Legislature for money when it meets next year. She wouldn’t discuss size, location or cost, but said a project like that would have to wait until the Diamond Head property was not in use.

CBS said in a statement that it was happy with the working relationship it has with state film officials. Filming in Hawaii is important to the authenticity and legacy of the series, the network said, noting that it was committed to future improvements. That’s good news for the Diamond Head facility, the only state-owned film studio in Hawaii.

“It is an aging facility that is under heavy use on a daily basis, and things break down unexpectedly and we have to address those things as they come,” Dawson said.

And if “Five-0″ doesn’t receive a sixth season? ”If they leave, when they leave, we will have a much better, safer, more efficient and user-friendly facility for future productions,” Dawson said. “Given that, we owe a lot to ‘Five-0.’”

Former Lost actor William Mapother tends to play the more nefarious types, unlike his leading-man cousin, Tom Cruise. The synopsis below reads as though his character is the helpful type, but is he really? You’ll have to tune in when his Season 5 episode airs to find out.

From TV Fanatic:
William Mapother, who portrayed creepy island resident Ethan Rom on the ABC hit, will appear on an episode of Hawaii Five-0 Season 5 this fall.

According to CBS sources, Mapother will portray Eric Porter, a well-liked, rich business owner who becomes entangled in a painfully tense situation… yet offers his help to the authorities.

William Mapther as Ethan Rom in “Lost.”

Mapother – who has also guest-starred on The Mentalist, Mad Men and Castle – is the NINTH former Lost cast member to appear on Hawaii Five-0.

Incidentally, TV Fanatic points out that Mapother is the 9th Lost alumnus to appear on Hawaii Five-0. Am I the only one who thinks it’s high time Josh Holloway showed up? And Holloway (Sawyer on Lost) has expressed interest in joining his good friend Daniel Dae Kim for some beers on the beach. Come on CBS, let’s make it happen!

The name of Hawaii Five-0’s newest cast member has been revealed in a TV Guide exclusive. Much in demand actress Amanda Setton has been cast to play trainee to medical examiner Max Bergman (Masi Oka.) The exotic beauty was most recently seen on the Robin Williams’ comedy The Crazy Ones, and prior to that, played pushy office assistant, Shauna Dicanio on Fox’s The Mindy Project.

Amanda Setton

Earlier this month TV Guide reported Season 5 would bring a new love interest to Five-0 boss Steve McGarrett, and since Max already has a girlfriend (played by Willis-Moore offspring Rumer Willis,) could it be that Setton’s character Dr. Mindy Shaw, will fill the slot left by Michelle Borth? Many fans were upset at the announcement that Borth’s Catherine Rollins was being written off the show, so any new love interest will be met with much skepticism from many, particularly after we witnessed a heart-broken McGarrett in tears upon hearing Cath was staying in Afghanistan.

Alex O’Loughlin in “Makani ‘Olu a Holo Malie”

We here at 50undercover wish Amanda the best of luck, both in her role and in her reception from the fans. Unfortunately, female actors cast on the show (other than original member, Grace Park) haven’t always been met with wholesale acceptance from some on social media. Let’s make this a positive experience and show Amanda the aloha spirit!